NO fewer than 20 people were killed and over 50 vehicles burnt inJos, capital of Plateau State, on Monday, following a clash between some Muslim youths and the natives,over the refusal of the latter to allow the Muslims access to the prayer grounds in their area.
Prior to Monday’s clash, there had been a rumour in the state that some people were planning to disrupt the Eid-el-Fitri celebration in the state, especially in Jos, in revenge of the disruption of last year’sChristmas, which was marred by multiple bomb blasts which led to many deaths in some parts of the state capital.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that as early as 9.00 a.m., there was tension in the city as the Muslims filed out to observe the Eid-el-Fitri prayers at Rukuba road and Mista Ali area of the state capital, while men of the Special TaskForce and the police positioned themselves along the route leading to the prayer ground.
It was learnt that the youth in the two affected areas, on sighting the Muslims trooping on the prayer ground in their areas, staged a protest, saying that since they could not have churchesin the predominantly Muslim areas, they would not allow Muslimprayer grounds in their areas.
A source told Nigerian Tribune that the situation got out of hand when men of the STF, who shot into the air to disperse the protesting youth, with the aim of rescuing the Muslims already observing their prayers at Rukuba prayer ground, mistakenly shotsome of them.
As a result of this, the STF engaged the aggrieved natives in an attempt to move the Muslims out of the vicinity, thereby leading to further commotion and causalities.
It was learnt that in the commotion that ensued, many people were hit by stray bullets while there was also a clash between the natives and the Muslims. Vehicles numbering about 50 were burnt in the process.(Nigerian Tribune)
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